The key to losing yourself in a good book is a cozy reading environment. Whether that’s a hammock strung up between two trees or a nest of floor cushions piled in a corner, there’s nothing like a dedicated space to cultivate a passion for reading. Whether you crave a classic nook—complete with a leather armchair, ottoman, throw blanket, and plush pillows—or something more out-of-the-norm, a comfortable reading nook is just a few design alterations away!
RELATED READ: 5 Cozy Reading Nook Essentials
Where Do I Put a Reading Nook?
If you’re a lit-lover, there’s a case to be made for going all out with your reading nook and dedicating an entire room to it. Transform a room under your stairs or an unused closet into your own personal reading haven. With the help of a contractor or handyman, incorporate a built-in bench or built-in shelf space to give it a custom look. Add in a reading chair, and you’re good to go!
Don’t have an extra room to dedicate entirely to reading? Totally understandable! Instead, pick a spot in a living room, bedroom, or entryway. Because reading nooks don’t require a lot of space, any empty corner will do. Take advantage of your home’s architectural features and construct a nook by a window or in an annexed alcove. Just be sure to stow your tomes out of direct sunlight—sunlight can damage those precious printed pages!
What Do I Put In A Reading Nook?
The key to a comfortable reading nook is a surplus of soft, plush textures. Style your space with fuzzy blankets, plenty of throw pillows, and a matching tufted armchair and ottoman. Lighting can also do wonders in creating a cozy atmosphere. Utilize string lights, reading floor lamps, and lamps with a soft glow to cue up an all-encompassing aura of warmth.
Of course, a crucial element of any reading nook is the books! Keep your books orderly by flanking your reading nook with built-in bookshelves, or deploy a free-standing bookcase or étagère. Vintage variations can help hone that feeling of time-honored authenticity. Adding art, a side table, and candles are the perfect finishing touch!
Lead image: Design by Chimera Interiors, LLC. / Photo by Erhard Pfeiffer